Sitting with Spencer: An Interview with Tatianna

In February 2010, RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 2 premiered and the world was alive with excitement. Back then, I was a Freshmen in High School. One day I came home from school and my mother told me about this show that was starting that she had recorded. It was a show that was apparently like America’s Next Top Model but… more drag queens. I have never really been familiar with drag queens at the time but hey… if I got to watch T.V with mom, that means I didn’t have to do homework for an hour so I watched. As the weeks went on, I became really obsessed with this show and the art and really grew a liking for a certain queen from the show.

Tatianna showed me what the art of drag was and what you can do with it. The beauty of Tatianna inspired me to look at drag and come to see it as an art form. As an artist myself, I can say that like painting on a canvas, creating a collection of dresses, sculpting, and creating music; drag is just as much a art form.

Years later with the announcement of All-Stars , I finally got a chance to speak with Tatianna about how life has been since her season, aspirations, and maybe a possibility of All-Stars status.

Ladies and Gentleman, Tatianna!

Spencer- Tatianna it is such a pleasure to speak with you finally. How are you? What are you up to these days?

Tatianna- Thanks for speaking with me Spencer! I’m doing really well. Currently I’m performing in Washington, D.C. at Town Dance Boutique. It’s the largest gay dance club in the city. I’ve been a cast member there for the last 4 and a half years. I’m also working on new music. Overall I’m having a lot of fun!

S: That’s really great! I have heard good things about the show. What is it about the Washington D.C drag scene that had kept you there for the last 4 and a half years?

T: I’ve stayed in DC/VA because it’s my home. I was born and raised in Arlington and Falls Church Virginia which are suburbs of the city. As for DC’s drag scene, there are a lot of up and coming edgy queens as well as old school queens who are the staples in the city. It’s an exciting mix.

S: A mixture of both is definitely a recipe for a successful show. By my beard, new music you said? That is exciting. I still have “Losing Control” on my phone. Do you want to give us a idea of what kind of music we are looking forward too? Any Britney Spears or Miley Cyrus collaborations?

T: Laughs No collaborations yet, but I’ve always tossed around the idea. The music I’m working on now is pop with urban undertones. Very vibey and a lot of mid-tempo tracks. I just wanted to do something different than what I’ve done in the past.

S: That sounds great, I am excited to hear the new tracks! Speaking of Britney, I saw that you ran into Derrick Berry at Dragcon. Since you are both known for your Britney impersonations, did you guys bounce any tips off each other?

T: She’s always so sweet! No tips were exchanged but it was awesome seeing her again. As a die hard Britney fan, I really love everything Derrick does.

Tatianna and Derrick Barry

S: Derrick is so talented! But as are you. One thing I have enjoyed watching you do recently is your celebrity impersonations. We have seen Britney, Miley Cyrus, Ariana Grande… If you were to do Snatch Game a second time around, who would you be?

T: Oh gosh I have no idea! Miley or Ariana would be fun. I had a couple of others in mind, but I like keeping those things a secret. If I ever got the chance to do all stars, I’d want to surprise everyone.

Tatianna as Ariana Grande

S: I love the strategy. The element of surprise is a great weapon on this show. Okay let’s talk about All-Stars then. We don’t know much about it except that it’s happening. I personally think you are a no doubt candidate. From the looks of it in terms of season 2, random online polls are saying its looking like the world wants either you or Morgan McMichaels… Or both! Why should you get another chance for the Drag Race Hall of Fame.

T: Honestly I just have had so much growth and experience since season 2. I think having the chance to show where I am at now would be a great opportunity!

S: I totally agree. I am a OG Tatianna fan and honestly, watching you throughout the years I have to say that you have had so much growth. You look phenomenal and your performances are amazing. I have no doubt that you would kill it in All Stars. I just hope that this isn’t another chance for production to get you to say ‘Thank You’ 100 more times. Laughs

T: Laughs To be honest, I did say thank you a lot! I guess you could say I’m just really polite.

S: Laughs Well In that case, keep being polite! Kill them with kindness. It’s pretty funny every time I hear it now anyways.So let’s say All-Stars is still split into teams. Though I hope it isn’t so we can just see you as an individual, who would want to be paired with? Pick one queen who hasn’t been on All-Stars yet and one queen who was on All-Stars last time.

T: Oh there are too many awesome queens to choose from honestly! I will say I would probably go with someone really funny and super outgoing. I can be I little timid at times, so working with someone with those qualities could really help me overcome any jitters.

S: Of course! There are so many queens. Truthfully I see you with someone like Adore Delano, I think that would be a great pairing! Or maybe with your season 2 co-star Morgan? So many options!

T: I absolutely love both! Every time I see Adore, we have a blast! Plus I’m a huge fan of her music. Morgan at this point is like a sister. I think I’ve spent the most time with her than any other Drag Race girl. She is super talented and her physicality while performing is sick!

From Left to Right: Raven, Tatianna, Tyra Sanchez, and Jujubee from Season 2 of Drag Race

S: Yeah! I think those would be great pairings for sure then! I am so excited for All-Stars. It’s going to be a ton of fun to watch. Okay and my final question, Tatianna, where do you aspire to be in your career/life five-ten years from now. Not just as a drag performer but as Joey?

T: As far as my career, in 5 or 10 years I’d like to have the beginnings of an empire. TV, movies, music, fragrance, the works! I want to dream big and hit as many goals as I can. On the personal side, I’d really like to start a family. Husband, kid, house. I’m still young, but I definitely want to work towards a family in the not too far future.

S: I am happy to hear that you have goals in mind and I know for sure that you are going to make it bigger than you already are.

Tatianna it has been a honor getting to speak with you and I wish you the best! I hope we get to see you on All-Stars soon and I’ll be right here cheering you on. We will speak again soon!

Related

Spencer is a Designer, Event Planner, and Television Nerd in Los Angeles; not to be confused with his look-alike... Chris Pratt. When Spencer isn't talking about fashion, he spends most of his free time eating burgers, hoarding Funko Pop-Vinyls, and talking your ear off about Game of Thrones.